RC India

Hi,
For the past one year we have been working on CNCs. After lot of research, we have finally planned to make available very low cost CNC machines in India. These are hobby class machines, prefect for making your own kits.
There are two types of machine we make:
Milling: To cut Balsa and ply
Hot wire foam cutting: To cut foam
The most important factor is the cost. We are working on the cost and trying to reduce it as much as possible.
For estimation, we can say it will be cheaper than any other machine available in India or world.
It can also be modified to laser cutting.
We manufacture on order.
Exact details and price will come soon.
For more details contact me:
amir@fbots.in
http://www.facebook.com/amirahmed123
Thanks

interested and email sent...

Is the price in few thousands or more than a lakh..

thats great !!!!!

would love to know abt pricing, if it is affordable then this is going to be a great news for RC hobbiest in India

I think it would be very difficult to get a CNC machine under a lakh. But may be a mini hobby lathe is possible. Really interesting news posted by Amir Sir.

Sir ji...Would love if you could reveal some information about the size, cost etc. Is it the same one that are found in many mechanical labs in engineering colleges..dont remember the brand???

Regards
Ankur

AFAIK, Amir has been DIY'ing hobby CNC similar to those on hobbycnc.com. If I can guess right, it should cost around USD 1000, if Amir could minimize components from the West and use more of recycled component from large Printers etc.  But it would better answered by Amir himself.

Kudos Amir. Its should one of the first DIY CNC by an and Aeromodller in the country. Do share more information how it is doing for Balsa. Any plans to produce 'Short Kits' ? Rajib on this forum was planning but guess he is stuck with short supply of Balsa and high TOC of Laser cutters (you need at least 100W laser for clean, burn free cuts on balsa.

Thank you friends for your respnses.  :)
as said by Ujjwaana sir, i have been working on hobby class cnc machines from last one year. i bought the driver board hobbycnc. Currently we are working on driver board, we are trying to make it here in India to reduce the cost. The concept/design of router is ready.
@Ankur: There is a huge monopoly in machines market and that is, on increasing the cutting area, the cost rises in approx same ratio, and that makes a medium size machine very expensive. But actually on increasing the area, the cost has to rise a fraction. We will take care of that and accordingly cost of a medium size router will be much less that what is available in market today.
The cost will be a few thousands, not in lacks.
We are trying to reduce the cost of medium size machine to around 50k-60k including everything.
Exact price and details will be available soon.
Suggestions are invited.
Thanks

REALLY interested in the CNC hot wire foam cutter

Regards

Do you have pictures and results of your proof-of-concept machines ? Can you post some pictures ?

I need 10 days time to finish my work and post pictures of machine and sample cuts.
Sorry for the delay.

All the best..Eagerly waiting for the results..

Please like us on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/fbotsThe-Future-of-Robotics/105589609479826

Thanks

We are planning to launch the following two models:
Basic:
30cmX60cmX8cm Machine Travel
Pro:
60cmX90cmX12cm Machine Travel


Suggestions invited

what are the limitations of these machines? how thick wood they can cut & how fast?

Theoretically it can cut upto its Z axis travel, but there are certain limitations of the cutting tool we use.
But it can easily cut upto 6mm ply, and that is sufficient for out work.
It doesnt mean you cannot cut more than that, but for that yo have to design the G code with the help of CAM softwares, which is in itself a tedious job.
And the cutting speed will also depend mostly on the cutting tool. The machine will give you maximum speed that is compatible with that tool.
More details will be uploaded soon, as our work is progressed.

sounds very promising, is the macine programmable independently or does it need to be interfaced with a CAM software to do so. A complete catalog would be very helpful.

I will try to explain the programming methods.
I m not a pro in CAM, so correct me if needed.
You will be requiring three softwares.
1. Designing
You can design your job on autocad, paint, photoshop or use image, DXF, etc files. We have support for nearly any design file, Also 2D design can be converted to 3D.

2. CAM(Computer Aided Manufacturing)
CAM software is used to generate Gcode, from the available design file.
There are some basic softwares like Lazycam, which is relatively easy to use, but it lacks 3D milling. You can do single passes, thus you can cut 2,3,6mm thick sheets, depending on your router capability.
For thicker sheets, you have to do multiple passes. Although its supported in Lazycam, but i personally didnt like it.
I m using Meshcam, Its a basic CAM software everyone can use. But i havent tested on very complex milling jobs.
But yes, nearly all hobby works and shape cuttings can be done on meshcam.
There are some more professional CAM softwares like solidcam, Gibbscam, autodesk inventor addon, etc, which are used in very detailed and professional operation, so we wont be needing them, unless you are designing something like automobile parts.

3. Machine controlling
This is a software to control the axises of machine with the generated Gcode.
It sends the signal to stepper motors and toll moves accordingly, cutting the desired job.
Most commonly used software is Mach3

Answer to Husein sir's question.
This machine i like any other cnc milling machine, you can control with any software of your choice.
We are not providing separate software, neither is any difference in programming techniques. Its all the same standard method.

what type of file format is supported by this machine i mean .cdr, .dxf, .dwg for cutting purpose & also what cutting motor (router) are you using on this machine.

As i wrote on my previous post, the machine has nothing to do with the file format.
The software you are using will be responsible for supporting the formats.
But generally every file format is supported by one or other software.
Therefore format is not a problem.
Regarding the cutting tool, you can use any tool available in market. Dremel is one of them. Some other brands are Bosch and Dewalt.
We would be providing mounts for the most commonly available tools so that you can mount anyone of your choice.

Amir,
People like me are dying to see your machine at work. even shots of prototype stages, when things go wrong time to time is fine. There are so many scratch builds around here who so much appreciate such grand effort.
Please do post some pics if it does not bothers you about propriety stuff.

Here are some videos of milling in process:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la2S-2EluFM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylmPiiRGY0s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEwoAAT-RA4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiziQ00JNTI

The above milling is done on high density foam.

One more, more detailed milling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzyYBh-jW1M

And finally the prices:   {:)}

Milling machines(3axis):
*All dimensions are in mm
Bed Size                    Price(Rs.)
400*250*80                   99,000
600*300*100                 1,60,000
1000*600*120                2,20,000

Foam Cutting Machine:
1000*500*500                1,20,000

Features:

• Rigid Aluminium construction, Completely Deflection free on all axis
• Backlash free Design
• Flexible couplings to align mismatches
• High torque stepper motors

Included:

• 4 axis motion controller board
• Servo Drives
• Power Supply
• Pre-installed home/limit and emergency stop switches

Required:

• A flat table
• Spindle of your choice
• Software

More detailed specifications and warranty information will come soon.

Warranty:
1 year replacement warranty on all mechanical parts
6 months replacement warranty on all electronic parts

As requested please do post some pics

The videos are already posted.
I think its enough for the proof of concept.

hmm. I think it will be better to post some pics of the real product or are you waiting to get an order in order to manufacture your first?

I wanted to knw how it looks like.

Amir Sir,
I have few questions regarding the machine.
1. Are these machines servo based or stepper based.
2. Are you using acme, trapizoidal screws, ball screws or belts for transmssion.
Please do post the pics.

This would be very crucial factor. Ball Screws are obscenly costly

Its stepper based with microstepping function.
Built on Ball screws and linear slides.
Linear guideway upgrade will cost a little more.

Pictures will come soon
Thanks

around 40000 to 50000 size 18"X24"X9"

where to get ball screws/acme screws and linear bearings at an affordable price
made a small desktop cnc with diy bearing assembly

Congrats done a very good job. But the router seems to be overkill for this type of machine.
try Makita trim router i hope it will be right size. As far as i know in india ball screws are not affordable. The screw alone cost around 3600/mtr and nut 4500/pcs. However you can visit www.pbh.in for ball screws.

All the best for your cnc machine.

Vivek Kumar Singh
www.rcelectro.com

well thats affordable as i plan for 5'by 9' router in a budget of 2.5 lac

nice job  brother but i have a question its good for 3d design ? its work to any side or only one side?

which software u use for it? solidworks good for it?

Its a real challenge in making a cnc at very low cost , by low cost I mean around 20k .  if your budget is 2.5lac, making a cnc mill should be easy as you can purchase good parts online or get it done to your needs. Perhaps you can get a decent kit for that price.

my budget went high (45k) for the machine u see in in picture because the motors, drivers etc are over kill (12.7 kgcm), industrial grade stepper drivers (from tiny controls, new delhi) and the frame is made from costly bus bar grade aluminium. also this project included 4 steppers as i plan to convert it to 3d printer. the z axis is 9" however due to a design flaw it can engrave 3d upto 2" depth only, however yo can put a 9" high work piece.
as per budget of 2.5 lac the size is 5 feet by 9 feet.
for low cost cnc using square tubes and 7kg cm it is possible to make cnc 0f 24"X24"X4" under 20k from parts online. however linear motion components would have to be diy.
plus there would be cost of the router (5k) or laser cutting head (Rs????) or a 3d printer head.
for cad i use solid edge ST4 and for cam i use mastercam, artcam and vectric software
the cnc controller is mach 3
currently i am working on extruder for 3d print head for printing in nylon.
if anybody needs help for design or construction difficulties you can put questions. i would be happy to help
and yes i won't be making machines for selling, and i am not available all time as i am a marine engineer and i sail for five months
currently i am available for next 3 months 

Did you manage to make a cnc foam cutter?

yes it can mill foam but if you are looking for hot wire cutter you would need four axis controlled design (specially the tapered wings you are looking for ). if you want i can design and tech feed u to build one ( i have time to design only not make one as i'm still working on 3d printer and my next project in april is 5'x9' router)
you may mail me at rajarshi_manu@yahoo.com
ok
 here are some links for starter
jedicut http://www.aeropassion.net/index-en.php for 4 axis controller
foamworks http://www.foamwork.net/download.htm for foam design
a machine like these http://www.robotshop.com/foamlinx-hot-wire-cnc-foam-cutter-29-13.html can be built for  :Rs: 30,000
if u use stepper then http://robokits.co.in/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=387 or servo motor then http://robokits.co.in/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=376
remember most of the drivers use step direction format
u may also need http://www.tinycontrols.com/parallel-port-breakout-board.html or if you are good in electronics http://www.sunrom.com/parallel-port/opto-isolated-parallel-port-interfacing-board?cPath=96
for lead screw and nut http://www.igus.in/wpck/default.aspx?Pagename=drylin_trapezgewindemutter
for temperature control http://www.sunrom.com/power-control/dimmer-board-with-isolated-digital-input
 >:D A WORD OF CAUTION :cheap half stepper drivers and cheap unipolar stepper do not give you the required torque and resolution . any type of cnc like the one i ve built or hot wire foam cutter require basic industrial grade products. i have wasted time, money and lots of grey matter over these cheap stuff. :banghead:

if you are interested in making one then i can tell you how to configure all this  :thumbsup:

Hi rajarshi,

Can you please advice on the stepper motor requirement ? How to select . . Etc ..  I want to make a cnc for pcb milling ( hence light work ). ?? Any suggestions?

Hi rajarshi,

I was attempting an CNC design based on slider rails used for server racks but failed in the stating point itself.

Is it possible to provide your frame work diagrams or details?

 I will be trying it out with plywood frame work.
Do you use linear slide rails? if so what would be the cost?

Any specific stepper motor driver using parallel port available in india?

Anyway i am trying to make my own stepper driver using DRV8818(TI).
Hope to use arduino for USB to parallel driver...

hi shivela 39

if u want to use arduino then try the software and setup http://www.estlcam.com/ec_cnc.php it works and is free

if u r able to make the driver it should be microstepping at least 1/8 for smooth cnc operation

making frame with ply board is ok if you manage to restrain the flex in strucure, corner joints should be strengthened with aluminium angles

ur job will be restricted to wood and acrylic only

maker linear guide of 608 ball bearing

which cad u use? , if you give me the dimensions ( x,y,z axis range) i will design and send you the cad files
also be specific about the purpose of cnc and material to be cut
this is important as it decides the design, motor size and cost

hi srivatsa 7 to 10 kg-cm (100-140 oz-in) torque , 1/8 minimum microstepping driver, pitch of lead screw/ threaded rod 1 to 5 mm ( M8 threaded rod will suit you fine), give me range of m/c and the components (mechanical linear components like lead screw or timing belt) i will send u a design. basically i need range of machine (x,y,z,limits ) and ur budget for a solution

Hi rajarshi,

I've got a nema 23, 10 kgcm2 torque, 6 terminals and i plan to use in unipolar connection. I've got 3, ~14 inch threaded rod. All M8, and M8, 1 inch long nuts. I still have to figure out a design. For the bearings i plan to do a dyi from board skate bearings and aluminium L angles http://buildyourcnc.com/step1.aspx (http://buildyourcnc.com/step1.aspx). ( any suggestions on this?)

For drivers I've scratch built linistepper v2. Which can provide 1/8 microstepping function. I've also scratch built a opto interface. I plan to use 3 steppers in each axis although i have 4 drivers and 4 axis interface board in case i need to in future.

For spindle i have a dremel 4000. Is this fine? ( on second thought i plan to purchase a makita or a bosch colt palm routers?)

For the construction i have to mostly rely on 3/4 inch mdf. As i don't have metal working tools. I haven't thought of the travel along each axis, although i feel 1ft would be sufficient for pcb needs.

Your suggestions are highly appreciated .

Hello everyone,
i m glad to be back on the forum, after around 2.5 years.
Missed aeromodelling more than anything and now i am planning to get started again.
Will be requiring you people's help.

Sir,
Do you have Marble Cutting and engraving CNC machine.

Yes we have. please mail me your detailed requirement at amir@fbots.in

Please see our social media links below:
facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/fbotsThe-Future-of-Robotics/105589609479826 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/fbotsThe-Future-of-Robotics/105589609479826)
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWaPaeKqaqmqGGxDEDl1tQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWaPaeKqaqmqGGxDEDl1tQ)
flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39555038@N07/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39555038@N07/)

Hi all,I am here with some machines i have built . I build machines for hobbyists as per the requirement and specs. cost of the machines starts from Rs 10 k. For further information mail to< s.k.rstnaparkhi@gmail.com.

Hi all,
Here is more information about my cnc machines.
Desk top cnc machine are generally built according to slandered paper format such as A 4,A 3.
This machines are very versatile Tool can be any thing such as a router to route in 2 d,2.5 d or 3 d. or mount a extruder and use as a 3d printer.mount a sewing needle attached to a soldering iron and cut foam. you can attach laser,water-jet or plasma cutter.Most cnc software's work great in Widows XP or Linux and  with a 25 pln parallel port.For Hobbyist a cnc software EMC2 is great because it is free.it works in Linux, and it is also free.for more information mail me at <s.k.ratnaparkhi @gmail.com>.
Have a good time.

I ordered one from SK Ratnaparkhi,  Hope it works as he is telling.

@s.k.ratnaparkhi  : can you provide a catalog of parts and kits available with you
product specification and price info would be appreciated....
if you have a website, or a *.pdf file to share that would be great... thanks

Hi all,
Here are some pictures of newly built cnc foam cutter. My previous machine was built using laminated plywood,but it was bulky and ugly.then I decided to built it with industrial grade slides and aluminium extrusions,but the estimated cost was high.So i built this with parts available from local hardware store.It costs Rs 10 k including controller and  smps power supply[laptop adopter].
The photos are of partial built.
S.K.R.

Dear people. ?
Planning to launch a professional CNC kit priced under 60000.
Would it be the right price tag for the hobby community?
Performance will be similar to our industry grade machines as seen on our youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWaPaeKqaqmqGGxDEDl1tQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWaPaeKqaqmqGGxDEDl1tQ)
Also visit our Facebook page and like!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/fbotsThe-Future-of-Robotics/105589609479826 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/fbotsThe-Future-of-Robotics/105589609479826)

Hi Amir

Really impressed with your machines. I work in Films & TV in Mumbai. I am looking for a cnc machine here to help with some 3D prototyping for a project I am currently working on. 
I work as a Production designer and some thing like this is very helpful to me.

Can you suggest anyone who would have a machine here that could help me out with some prototyping??
Need to mil a 3D mask in high density foam.
Also if I were to order a machine. How long for delivery and installation? And cost?

Anyone who can help with this. Please do respond.

Thank you

http://www.3dprintronics.com/3d-store#!/Shapeoko-2-DIY-CNC-Machine/p/39096568/category=6292406 (http://www.3dprintronics.com/3d-store#!/Shapeoko-2-DIY-CNC-Machine/p/39096568/category=6292406)
This is a branded high quality kit available in India. It is a diy kit.

Any request on aluminium cast parts may be fulfilled.

Thanks so much for the link. Will look into it.  :)

Sorry didn't mention your handle.

Thanks again "rcrcnitesh"

One thing that is a KIT which you have to DIY it does not come readymade. You will also need a router.
No problem.
Your welcome

Hello Mr. Aditya
I think mr. Dubey must have replied you on facebook.